How to Hold the Left Hand for the Violin

Violinists can sometimes hurry through basic position issues in order to get to matters of sound and tone production. However, how you hold the violin with your left hand can significantly impact your playing. The steps below offer points to focus on in the left hand position.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Take the upper left bout of the violin in your left hand, with the violin facing away from you. The scroll of the violin should be pointing toward the ceiling.
2. Straighten your left arm at a 45 degree angle to your left. Start with your arm parallel to the floor and then raise it a few inches.
3. Place your right hand on the end button (at the bottom of the violin). Rotate the violin so the scroll is pointing toward the floor and the end button is facing the ceiling. Guide the violin down onto your left shoulder.
4. Continue to hold the violin with your right hand for security. Take your left hand, which should now be on the right side of the fingerboard with your palm facing you, and extend it away from the shoulder. Form a "V" between your thumb and fingers (palm still facing you).
5. Hold the "V" shape while you move your left hand over to the neck of the violin. Place your thumb on the left side of the violin's neck, so the neck rests on the pad of the thumb, and the tip of the thumb just peeks over the fingerboard.
6. Rotate your left hand so you can see the side of your pinkie finger, leaving your thumb anchored to the neck.
7. Curve your left hand fingers and place your fingertips on the strings. Your index finger should line up with your thumb.
8. Continue paying attention to the development of your left hand position while you learn notes and finger patterns.

Tips & Warnings

• Draw a smiley face, or "friend," on the side of your pinkie if that helps remind you to look at it. Think of curving your fingers into a mouse-tunnel shape to meet the strings. Then you can think of the steps as: 1. "V" 2. "Friend" 3. "Mouse-tunnel."
• You can also draw a smiley face on the inner tip of your thumb and practice having this smiley face peek over the fingerboard. This will prevent you from bracing your thumb underneath the neck of the violin.
• Make sure you have the proper size of violin. You won't be able to hold it properly if it is not the correct size.
• You should not have to support your violin with your left hand. This leads to tension, which can hinder your playing and eventually lead to injury.